Always innovating and developing practical vehicles to suit the diverse needs of Europeans, Citroën developed and produced the first front-drive lightweight utility van prior to the outbreak of WWII in Europe. While only an estimated 2,000 examples were built, the TU-B inspired its postwar successor, the Type H, which debuted at the 1947 Paris Motor Show. Offered as a cab/chassis or complete body, the Type H Van was elegantly designed and immensely versatile, with form clearly following function. Based on a flat, load-bearing platform chassis, the proven mechanicals of the Type H Van utilized Citroën’s popular and ubiquitous Traction Avant engine, mostly in 56 hp 11CV specification with a three-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, plus such Citroën hallmarks as fully independent torsion-bar suspension.

Robustly built, including corrugated steel bodywork, similar in concept to Germany’s Junkers aircraft, the Type H Van featured a useful 1,500 kg payload capacity. Select updates included the addition of its maker’s double-chevron logo in 1965, plus new color choices – some festive – other than the standard gray. A true commercial success, Type H production reached some 473,000 examples by the model’s retirement in 1981.

Outfitted as a mobile champagne vendor, this Citroën HY78 Van from 1973 is an engaging example of these fascinating and attractive French workhorses. Acquired by the Mullin Collection in 2015, it is accompanied by copies of prior French registration documents and a Citroën book excerpt covering the model.

*Please note that all of the Lots in this Auction have been in long-term static storage at the Mullin Automotive Museum and may not be currently operational. They will require mechanical attention and in some cases significant restoration prior to any road use.